 | Millions Director: Danny Boyle Rated: PG Palace Nova  It is surprising that Danny Boyle has come up with such a heart-warming, family-friendly film. Firstly, it is such a fun-filled and superb visual entertainment that it is a rare occurrence by anyone's standard, but secondly, after making 'Trainspotting' and 'Twenty Eight Days', Boyle would be one of the least likely candidates to create such a film. It's based on the novel 'Millions' by Frank Cottrell Boyce who wrote the screenplays for 'Hilary & Jackie' and '24 Hour Party People'.Set in the north of England, the story concerns two brothers, nine year-old Anthony (Lewis McGibbon) and seven year-old Damian (Alex Etel). Their mother has died and with their Dad (James Nesbitt) they are moving house. Suddenly a bag of cash is thrown from a train and they have a week to exploit 350,000 pounds before England converts to the Euro and the money becomes worthless. Meanwhile Dad is embarking on a new romance with a charity fundraiser played by Daisy Donovan. The two boys have very different concerns. Damian's cubby-house is where his imagination allows him to commune with an array of Catholic saints including Jesus' father, Joseph, St Francis of Assisi and the lesser known Claire of Assisi (patron saint of television). The latter assures him you can do anything you like in heaven, including smoking, but that it's down here on earth that you have to be good. Alas, none of these can give Damian news of his mother. While Damian's charitable generosity and naivety gets them into trouble, Anthony is more worldly. He's a budding financier wanting to use the money to create power and security for himself and the family. Boyle shows us that in many ways money complicates things and life goes on only with new dilemmas. The boys are great actors and the upbeat, Brit-pop soundtrack and occasional animations all add up to make this extremely stylish cinema. The film avoids judgment of the characters and preaching to the audience, but is irreverent and serious in its intent, in a playful way. Charmingly original and funny, 'Millions' will spark useful debates about greed and morality for viewers from the boys' ages up. It's a thoroughly delightful and gripping story, occasionally mildly scary but ultimately joyful and inspirational.  | |
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